Exploring takotsubo cardiomyopathy in an elderly patient with acute anxiety attack.

Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy ("broken heart") exhibits a highly possible link between acute emotional stress and the onset of left ventricular dysfunction. This article describes a case report of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in an 89-year-old female; the patient is significantly older than the median age for this condition, which ranges from 63 to 76 years of age. The exact mechanism of this condition is unclear and there are several hypotheses under investigation. Several studies have shown a link between takotsubo cardiomyopathy and elevated catecholamines. Similarly, other studies have documented emotional and physical stress to be the underlying pathophysiology of this condition. Another case study has proposed a novel hypothesis of a link between septal thickening in cases of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This article is an interesting case report of an elderly patient with takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

• Authors: Anumeha Singh, Francis Southwick, Elisa Gumm, Jasbir S Makar
• Journal: The West Virginia medical journal (W V Med J) 2012 Sep-Oct Vol. 108 Issue 5 Pg. 14-7 ISSN: 0043-3284 [Print] United States
• PMID: 23098005 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Catecholamines

Topics

• Aged, 80 and over
• Anxiety (blood, complications)
• Cardiac Catheterization
• Catecholamines (blood)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Electrocardiography
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (diagnosis, etiology, physiopathology)
• Ventricular Function, Left